Head of Information and Data Governance in Edinburgh

This role is accountable for defining information and data governance policies, standards and control expectations, and for providing independent oversight, challenge and monitoring of adherence across the organisation.

While first‑line business areas retain accountability for executing data controls, the Head of Information and Data Governance will influence senior stakeholders to ensure these responsibilities are effectively discharged. The role will lead a continuous improvement agenda to enhance the maturity of data governance practices across the business. This senior leadership position requires expertise in information and data governance and a proven track record of strengthening control environments within complex organisations. Experience working with material outsourcers and an understanding of emerging risks, including those associated with AI, are highly desirable. A strong background in financial services and familiarity with platform‑based business models, alongside knowledge of key regulatory bodies such as the ICO, FCA and PRA, is essential. The ability to translate complex governance concepts into clear, business‑relevant insights, enabling effective decision‑making at Executive Committee and Board level, and strong stakeholder engagement skills are critical. The role holder will oversee the effective operation of the data governance function within a regulated environment, including managing team performance, capacity, budgets, and associated risks and controls.

Responsibilities include business partnering, review and approval of impact assessments, and supporting change and transition initiatives. As an experienced people leader, the role holder will build and develop a high‑performing, engaged team to support the organisation’s strategic objectives.

Responsibilities

• Define and Lead Information and Data Governance Strategy
• Own and evolve the Group Information and Data Governance strategy, aligned to business priorities and transformation objectives
• Define the target operating model for information and data governance, including roles, accountabilities and federated ownership across the Group
• Establish policies, standards and principles covering data quality, ownership, lineage, metadata, retention and ethical use
• Ensure governance aligns with regulatory expectations while remaining commercially pragmatic and scalable
• Act as a thought leader on emerging data trends (AI, data products, cloud ecosystems) and their governance implications
• Work collaboratively with other members of our Technology leadership team to inform and deliver on our broader Data Strategy

Drive Adoption Through Influence and Engagement

• Build strong relationships with ExCo, SLT and senior business leaders to embed information and data governance as a business priority
• Influence business areas to take ownership of data controls and outcomes, rather than centralise delivery
• Develop and lead a data governance community / network (e.g. data owners and stewards)
• Champion a data‑led culture, promoting accountability, literacy and value realisation
• Act as a trusted advisor on data governance implications of transformation, M&A and strategic initiatives

Senior Leadership and Executive Engagement

• Lead the creation of clear, concise and insight‑driven reporting for Executive Committee and Board
• Translate technical and regulatory topics into business risk, customer impact and commercial outcomes
• Provide forward‑looking insight on risks, maturity and investment priorities
• Ensure consistent and compelling communication of information and data governance progress, gaps and value delivered

Governance Framework and Oversight

• Define, own and maintain the Group Data Governance Control Framework, including mandatory controls, control objectives and assurance requirements aligned to UK GDPR, FCA and PRA expectations
• Define information and data governance policies and standards that support lawful, fair, transparent and accountable processing across all Group entities
• Develop and track KPIs / KRIs for data quality, control effectiveness and adoption
• Oversee data governance maturity assessments and prioritise improvement initiatives
• Provide independent challenge to business areas on data‑related risks and control weaknesses
• Ensure data governance is effective across key suppliers and outsourced providers

Enable Business Change and Transformation

• Embed data governance into change lifecycle (design, delivery and transition)
• Ensure new initiatives align with data standards, ownership models and control expectations
• Provide guidance on data governance standards and expectations for our Platform Transformation programme
• Support the organisation in balancing speed of change with governance discipline

Build Capability & Ways of Working

• Lead and develop a high‑performing data governance team
• Develop team capability and succession through coaching and mentoring
• Define required capability uplift across the business (data owners, stewards, SMEs)
• Introduce practical tooling, frameworks and playbooks to enable adoption
• Promote continuous improvement and measurable uplift in data maturity

Key Competencies (Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours)

Knowledge and Experience

• Strong experience defining and implementing information and data governance strategies
• Proven track record of operating within a regulated environment, preferably financial services
• Understanding of data operating models, data ownership frameworks and governance tooling
• Experience supporting enterprise‑wide transformation and large‑scale change programmes
• Sound understanding of technology and data processing within platform‑based financial services
• Knowledge of third‑party data protection contractual requirements

Skills and Behaviours

• Strong leadership and people management capability
• Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing at leadership level
• Ability to simplify complex concepts into clear, compelling messages
• Strategic thinker with strong commercial and pragmatic judgement
• Confident in challenging senior stakeholders constructively
• High levels of credibility, resilience and personal impact
• Collaborative team player who role‑models organisational values
• Strong commitment to continuous learning and improvement
• Competent user of MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Teams

Desirable

• Knowledge of platform propositions, including WRAP Platforms and SIPPs
• Professional certifications such as CIPP/E, CIPM or equivalent
• Degree or relevant professional qualification